Pine Bar Campground
4.257 reviewsPine Bar Campground, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Tincup Creek, nine miles east of Freedom, Idaho
Pine Bar Campground
$0.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
During the late May to early September season, the fee is $8. After the season, there is no fee, but amenities like toilets and water are unavailable.
About this campground
Tucked away in the wilderness where only those who seek true solitude will find it, Pine Bar Campground welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis to its intimate collection of five single-family sites and one spacious double-family site. Here, beneath a protective canopy of mixed conifers, the gentle murmur of Tincup Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your outdoor escape. Whether you're casting a line into the creek's promising waters, setting off on scenic hiking trails, or pursuing seasonal hunting opportunities, this hidden gem offers an authentic backcountry experience without the crowds.
Pine Bar Campground offers a rustic camping experience with five single-family sites and one double-family site. The sites are all available on a first-come, first-served basis, and are most suitable for tents or small trailers.
Historical SignificanceWhile Pine Bar may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in the timeless tradition of finding peace in wild places. This quiet corner of the forest continues to offer what travelers have sought for generations: a simple, unspoiled connection with nature.
Weather and SeasonsPine Bar transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own distinct personality. Early summer arrives with wildflowers and warming temperatures, though savvy campers know to pack extra bug spray for the enthusiastic mosquito population. By late August, the insects retreat, leaving perfect conditions for peaceful camping. Autumn paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons as aspens and undergrowth prepare for winter's arrival. When snow blankets the forest, the campground becomes a winter wonderland, though access requires preparation for significant snowfall and cold mountain conditions.
ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet in the mountain air, Pine Bar Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer's heat in the valleys below. This elevation brings crisp mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire, comfortable afternoons for exploration, and cool evenings ideal for stargazing. Winter transforms the high-altitude haven into a snow-laden landscape where the thin mountain air carries the pristine silence of the season.
Natural Features and SceneryPine Bar reveals itself as a masterpiece of mountain scenery, where Tincup Creek winds through the campground like a silver ribbon, its waters catching sunlight filtered through towering conifers. The mixed forest creates a living cathedral of pine, fir, and spruce, their evergreen boughs providing dappled shade over soft meadow grasses that sway in the mountain breeze. Rising majestically in the distance, the peaks of the Bear River Range frame this natural sanctuary, their rugged profiles changing from purple dawn silhouettes to golden sunset monuments throughout each day.
Geological RegionPine Bar Campground rests within the vast expanse of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, specifically in the Montpelier Ranger District where the dramatic Bear River Range dominates the horizon. This geological wonderland showcases millions of years of mountain building, where ancient seas gave way to towering peaks, creating the diverse ecosystem that makes this corner of the forest such a compelling destination for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the American West.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe sites are described as being best suited for tents and small trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is small and secluded, with five single-family sites and one double-family site. While it is not heavily populated, some users reported pleasant seclusion: 'Nice small campground only about 5 sites. We were the only ones there.'
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest bringing bug spray for mosquitoes and extra drinking water as none is available on-site.
Best CampsitesSite #4 is specifically mentioned for its proximity to natural spring water flowing into Tincup Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly stated in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated, but sites accommodate single-family usage, except for one double-family site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five single-family sites and one double-family site, all positioned along Tincup Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonLate May to Early September (regular season with fee); open after season but closes with snow.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable since reservations are not accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntirely first-come, first-served as reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not accepted.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Pine Bar Campground can enjoy fishing and hiking opportunities. Tincup Creek offers fishing right by the sites, and there are trails nearby for hiking. A user review noted, 'Looks like a good place to fish the nearby creek.' Another camper mentioned, 'There is a nice hike just over the bridge.'
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible from the campground. A user highlighted, 'There is a nice hike just over the bridge.'Fishing
Fishing is available in Tincup Creek, which flows past the campsites. Campers have noted the proximity of fishing opportunities, with one stating, 'Looks like a good place to fish the nearby creek.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight mosquitoes as a significant issue during early summer. Gravel roads may have geuls and potholes, and steep sections can be challenging.
Active alertsThe campground closes with snow. No other specific alerts were mentioned.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Soda Springs District Office, 410 Hooper Ave., Soda Springs, ID 83276. Phone: (208) 547-4356. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May through Early September.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash as no garbage service is provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along Tincup Creek, which provides fishing opportunities and aesthetic appeal.
Common complaintsMosquitoes during early summer, steep roads with geuls and potholes, limited amenities such as no drinking water and no garbage service.
HostNo campground hosts mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Campground Map
Pine Bar Campground, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Tincup Creek, nine miles east of Freedom, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Alpine, WY, head southwest on US-89 S for 12.8 miles. Turn right at WY-239 W for 1.6 miles. Turn right at County Line Rd/State Line Rd and go 0.9 miles. Turn left at ID-34 W for 9.5 miles and your destination will be on the left.
Roads are gravel. The campground is accessible via US-89 S, WY-239 W, County Line Rd, and ID-34 W. Some user reviews mention the road is steep in sections, with geuls and potholes.Nearby places
Freedom, Idaho: 9 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Alpine, Wyoming: 24.8 miles (approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Freedom, Idaho (9 miles away) for basic supplies. Alpine, Wyoming (24.8 miles away) for additional resources.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Pine Bar Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Pine Bar Campground highlight its rustic charm and seclusion. Users frequently mention the small size, proximity to nature, and the peaceful environment. However, a common complaint is the prevalence of mosquitoes during certain times of the year.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the secluded and peaceful atmosphere. A user stated, 'Nice small campground, only about 5 sites.' Another mentioned, 'Very beautiful spot.' The campground’s proximity to the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most notable complaint among users is the abundance of mosquitoes, particularly during the summer. One review mentioned, 'Wolken muggen, echt heel veel en heel agressief' (clouds of mosquitoes,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers frequently recommend bringing bug spray due to the high number of mosquitoes. One user pointed out that the trail to the creek is steep, suggesting campers should be prepared for some...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences vary by season. During the summer, mosquitoes are a significant issue, as noted in several reviews. However, later in the season, such as September, campers reported fewer bugs,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Nice small campground only about 5 sites.' 'Bring plenty of bug spray, mosquitoes were bad.' 'Looks like a good place to fish the nearby creek.' 'There is a nice hike just over the bridge.' 'Great...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campground #4 was highlighted in a review for its proximity to the creek: 'We got excellent spring water flowing into the creek just below campground #4.'
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025